Leigh could forfeit Sunday’s Championship Shield Final

Leigh Centurions could forfeit Sunday’s Championship Shield Final against Featherstone Rovers with less than 13 players available for the game.

Their failure to make the top four this season has resulted in major financial problems with a mass player exodus prior to this season’s Championship Shield in a bid to keep the club alive.

Long-time owner Derek Beaumont is currently in the process of relinquishing the club and his lack of financial input has resulted in the remaining Centurions’ players failing to be paid last month.

It is believed a settlement figure was offered and turned down by many players for the remainder of their contracts leaving the club in turmoil.

Kieron Purtill’s side only had 13 players available for last Sunday’s 52-6 defeat at Dewsbury and there is now the serious possibility they won’t raise a team and will forfeit this week’s match against Featherstone.

Leigh forward Kevin Larroyer revealed on Sunday that many of the players were forced to play for free which has subsequently forced the Rugby League Players’ Association to get involved.